Geothermal Ombudsman for National Deployment and Optimal Reviews Act
- Sponsor
- Sen. Cortez Masto, Catherine [D-NV]
- Committees
- Energy and Natural Resources Committee (primary)
- Last action
- Jul 15, 2026
Bottom line
This bill aims to accelerate the deployment of geothermal energy by improving the efficiency and coordination of the federal permitting process within the Bureau of Land Management.
What it actually does
This bill establishes a Geothermal Ombudsman and a Geothermal Permitting Task Force within the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) to streamline the permitting and leasing process for geothermal energy projects on public lands. The Ombudsman will act as a liaison, provide dispute resolution, monitor permit timelines, develop best practices, and coordinate with the Federal Permitting Improvement Steering Council. The Task Force, led by the Ombudsman, will support these duties and allow for cross-office personnel assignments and retention allowances to expedite geothermal authorizations.
Proponents argue
Supporters argue that the current federal permitting process for geothermal projects is often slow and cumbersome, hindering the development of a crucial renewable energy source. They contend that establishing a dedicated Ombudsman and Task Force will centralize expertise, resolve disputes, and streamline procedures, thereby accelerating geothermal energy deployment, creating jobs, and contributing to national energy independence and climate goals.
Opponents contend
Critics might argue that adding new bureaucratic layers, even with the intention of streamlining, could paradoxically introduce new complexities or simply shift existing bottlenecks without fundamentally addressing underlying issues like staffing shortages or interagency coordination beyond the BLM. Some might also express concern about the potential for retention allowances to create inequities among federal employees or the broad authority given to the Ombudsman for personnel assignments.
The bill is concise and easily readable, allowing for a quick understanding of its core provisions.
Section 2(b)
Appointment and Duties of Geothermal Ombudsman
This provision mandates the Secretary of the Interior to appoint a Geothermal Ombudsman within the Bureau of Land Management within 60 days of the bill's enactment. The Ombudsman will serve as a central liaison, provide dispute resolution for geothermal authorization applicants, monitor permit processing, develop best practices for permitting and leasing, and coordinate with the Federal Permitting Improvement Steering Council.
Supporters argue
Supporters argue that a dedicated Ombudsman will provide a single point of contact and accountability, significantly reducing delays and confusion for developers navigating the complex federal permitting landscape. This role is crucial for identifying bottlenecks and implementing consistent best practices across different BLM offices.
Critics contend
Some might contend that simply adding an Ombudsman without addressing underlying resource constraints or fundamental regulatory issues might only create another layer of bureaucracy without truly resolving the root causes of permitting delays.
Tradeoffs
Balances the need for oversight and coordination with the potential for adding another administrative layer. Aims to centralize expertise without undermining existing field office authority.
Section 2(c)(1)-(3)
Establishment and Leadership of Geothermal Permitting Task Force
This section directs the Secretary to establish a Geothermal Permitting Task Force within the BLM, also within 60 days. The Task Force will be led by the newly appointed Geothermal Ombudsman and will support the Ombudsman's duties, essentially acting as the operational arm for implementing the Ombudsman's strategies for improving geothermal permitting.
Section 2(c)(4)(A)-(B)
Flexible Personnel Deployment for Geothermal Authorizations
This provision allows the Geothermal Ombudsman, as head of the Task Force, to coordinate with other Departmental bureaus or offices to assign personnel with relevant expertise to assist with geothermal authorizations in different field, district, or State offices. This is permitted if the originating office determines it won't materially delay their ongoing work and the head of that office approves. Assigned personnel must work in-person, travel if necessary, integrate into the team, and report to the local office head.
Section 2(c)(4)(C)
Retention Allowances for Assigned Personnel
Subject to the availability of appropriations, the Geothermal Ombudsman may pay a retention allowance (up to 25% of basic pay) to employees assigned to assist with geothermal authorizations. These allowances are not part of basic pay and cannot be appealed. The Ombudsman must consider an employee's specialized expertise, the need to retain them for performance objectives, and the difficulty in recruiting replacements.
Authorizes the Geothermal Ombudsman to pay retention allowances, up to 25% of basic pay, to employees temporarily assigned to assist with geothermal authorizations, subject to appropriations.
Section 2(c)(4)(C)
Why it matters:This is standard legislative practice for detailed administrative or personnel provisions. It's not necessarily evasive but requires careful reading to identify.
Case for: Supporters argue that these allowances are crucial for attracting and retaining specialized talent needed to accelerate complex geothermal permitting, preventing experienced personnel from leaving for higher-paying private sector jobs.
Case against: Critics might contend that such targeted allowances could create internal pay inequities and morale issues among federal employees not eligible for similar incentives, or that they might not be the most effective use of funds to address broader staffing challenges.
Estimated impact: Potential increase in personnel costs for the BLM, dependent on the number of employees receiving allowances and the percentage awarded, subject to annual appropriations. No specific dollar amount is provided.